Mandy's He-Man Read Online Free PDF Page A

size, since he always seemed to stand out in a crowd. Rugby league had changed that, though. JT had learnt to use his big frame in a positive way and was now comfortable in his own skin. Still, he cringed a little every time he heard the same old comment— Gee, you’re so big! As if somehow he hadn’t noticed his hundred and ninety-eight centimetre frame or hundred and twenty kilogram build.
    It had been one of the things that had struck him about his first meeting with Mandy—the unique young woman with her dark hair all spiked up, who’d been dressed in all-black clothing and those adorable black, army-styled boots. She had not once mentioned his size. In fact, the quirky beauty had stood on a window ledge, bringing her dramatically made-up eyes level with his. JT had liked those eyes right from the start and the way she had stuck out her tiny, delicate hand so formally to him.
    JT needed to speak to his best mate, Brodie. Brodie was JT’s go-to guy and right at that minute, JT was thinking he needed all the help he could get to entice this amazing woman to agree to go on a date with him—he was acting like some love-struck teenager.
    JT was so distracted pondering his dilemma that he almost missed seeing Mandy smile back at him, those uniquely coloured eyes twinkling.
    She said the words he had been waiting for and worrying over.
    “Yes, I’d love to go out with you tonight, but on one condition, He-Man. You stop calling me Mags.” She laughed, winked. “Actually, I’d go with you anyway. I think Riley is a cutie-pie and love spending time with him. You get up and dress and I’ll make some coffee. You do have time for that, don’t you?”
    JT let out a sigh, relieved that he’d heard her say yes. He hadn’t been aware he had been holding his breath until that moment. But the little vixen was telling him it was because Riley was a ‘cutie-pie’.
    Mandy and Riley—Caitlin’s young brother—had become close friends since the fracas a few weeks back. JT had a soft spot for the boy too. Riley had lost his parents just the year before in a tragic car accident. He and his sister had been struggling through life as best they could. It had reminded him of the loss of his own mother to breast cancer at around the same age. JT had, at least, had his father around to support him through those tough years.
    I will have to sort the kid out. No more cutie behaviour towards my girl, he thought jealously, then felt quite ridiculous at the overreaction. Riley was only eleven years old, for goodness’ sake. He reached towards the woman who had so quickly stolen his heart, and growled.
    “No time for coffee, Mandy. I won’t need one. I’d rather take my fill of you!”
     
    * * * *
     
    JT was feeling awesome. Since leaving Mandy’s warm bed earlier that morning, he’d had an abundance of energy, causing many a grumble from his fellow teammates during tackle practice as he’d crashed them repeatedly into the ground. Even Brodie—who had been acting like a happy little puppy these days, enjoying a new lease of life since Caitlin had become a part of it seemed normal in comparison.
    Right from the start of JT’s career, Brodie James had been there. A tough, young front-rower, Brodie had already been touted as a future star of rugby league. JT had at first been nervous when meeting Brodie, wanting to make a good impression. They had trained side by side, each pushing the other throughout the vigorous session, always keeping up and trying to outdo one another, whether they’d been weightlifting, tackling bags or running. Trying in some stupid, alpha-male bullshit way to find out who was tougher. JT had been exhausted and incredibly relieved when the coach had come over and explained that both men were needed for the game, and had requested that they not kill each other.
    JT and Brodie had stood side by side on and off the field since then.
    JT checked the night’s arrangements with Brodie, confirming that Caitlin